Goodbye Doreen

Got a call early in the morning from Xiuping. She's my ex-neighbour back then when i was still schooling in pri school till JC. Xiuping and Doreen were the only 2 'young' neighbours that i've meet who invited my sis and I to join their group. It was sweet and nice, a really nice community feeling to have people staying on the same floor to look after one another.

Xiuping called to inform that Doreen has passed away. "OMG!!!" Today is Doreen's last day of her wake and she will be cremated at 1+. After arranging with Xiuping to meet that night, it just did not appear to me to rush for the wake. I was in a daze. Dazed at the news, dazed for the fact that i've just woke up. I called Sis, told her that i'll be going down and ask if she's ok to join.

When i arrive there, a place that was sooo familiar to me, i saw her wake. Sis and I went, introduced ourselves as old neighbours and pay our last respect to her. Before i arrive, i couldnt picture Doreen. There i was, looking at her, in her coffin, I could feel tears welling in my eyes. She's only 32, mind you. She layed in the coffin with a peaceful look.

Her cousin told us that she was diagnosed with Brain Tumour back in June07. She was due to have her ROM in July07, to her China husband to be. The illness was detected when she started to slur in her speech, and repetitive headaches. Only a visit to the hospital, revealed the reason behind her change in speech. The family had discussed and considering the fact that she is still young, they decided to persuade her to fight the illness. She had a 50-50 percent chance if she undergo treatment, else less than 10 percent to survive.

It was a tough process. As she slowly lost her sight,she held on. The battle ended in the hospice. Im glad that her family are there for the last moments. It is an important moment for the family.

She left at a age of 37. A month prior her birthday. She spent her life fulfilling, have a very good heart, a very nice laughter, a nice voice and bonded family.

Auntie couldnt really speak to us. She burst out in tears.

The atmosphere seem soo familiar, just like ah gong's wake.

Life seems soo fragile. Health is a priority. Not many can have a healthy body, some choose not to have, unconsciously.

Goodbye Doreen. I will always remember you, for what you are, who you are.